Design Manager

KW Landscape Architects (KW) is seeking a Design Manager for our Houston or Austin office. This role emphasizes conceptual innovation, advanced problem-solving, and shaping projects from early visioning through detailed design execution, ensuring designs are impactful, technically feasible, sustainable, and aligned with client goals. This position represents a pivotal step toward design leadership.

Responsibilities

• Concept and Schematic Design
  • Conduct site analysis through research, field visits, and data collection to understand ecological, cultural, and spatial context.
  • Develop design concepts informed by site conditions, client vision, and programmatic needs.
  • Create compelling diagrams, sketches, and visual narratives to communicate design intent.
  • Translate initial ideas into sketches, diagrams, and graphics for client and internal team communication.
• Design Development
  • Translate conceptual ideas into detailed design solutions balancing aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.
  • Develop illustrative plans, 3D models, and renderings to communicate design refinements.
  • Research and specify materials, planting palettes, and site furnishings aligned with project goals.
  • Work closely with engineers, architects, and consultants to resolve grading, drainage, and infrastructure coordination.
  • Review and incorporate client feedback to advance the design.
• Maintaining Design Integrity
  • Protect and carry design intent through design documentation and into construction phases.
  • Bridge design and production by reviewing drawings, details, and specifications for alignment with project vision.
  • Oversee preparation of high-quality renderings, graphics, and presentation materials.
  • Participate in site visits and provide input to maintain design quality through construction.
• Project Management & Collaboration
  • Set and monitor timelines for design deliverables to align with project schedules.
  • Lead coordination across departments, offices, and consultants at the project level.
  • Resolve design and technical conflicts proactively, maintaining project alignment and integrity.
  • Actively share best practices and lessons learned to strengthen cross-office collaboration.
• Presentation and Communication
  • Participate actively in client meetings and presentations as a design voice for KW.
  • Prepare and deliver compelling visuals, reports, and presentation packages.
  • Contribute to business development efforts by assisting with design narratives, visuals, proposals, and competitions.
  • Represent the firm in professional organizations, design juries, and community engagements to enhance visibility and influence.
  • Demonstrate collaborative and inclusive communication within project teams to support a strong studio culture.
• Team Development, Accountability and Operational Awareness
  • Guide and develop junior designers through mentorship, constructive feedback, and design critique.
  • Conduct quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) reviews of junior team members’ work.
  • Foster a positive and inclusive team culture by modeling professionalism and accountability.
  • Demonstrate understanding of project fees, scope, and schedule, aligning design objectives with project resources.
  • Track and report project progress, proactively communicating challenges and opportunities.
  • Support leadership in shaping company-wide design standards and embedding sustainable practices across projects.
• Career Progression
  • Employees are generally expected to spend a minimum of two years at the manager level to strengthen leadership capacity and project experience; earlier advancement may be considered for exceptional performance.
  • Advancement requires demonstrated responsibility for leading projects from concept through design development and, depending on scale, through construction documentation, with consistent client-facing contributions.
  • Manage smaller, simpler projects independently while supporting Design Managers and Directors on larger, more complex projects to further develop design leadership.
  • Gain well-rounded project experience across a variety of project types and scales, demonstrating adaptability and versatility in design approaches.
  • Progress toward licensure is expected, including advancing through additional LARE sections and moving toward full registration.
  • Actively participate in professional organizations or community design efforts to promote the landscape architecture field and enhance KW’s visibility.
  • Strengthen existing client relationships by identifying and suggesting potential opportunities for future work.
  • Progression is contingent on individual readiness and business needs, such as department capacity, role availability, and organizational priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Landscape Architecture, Architecture, or related design discipline from an accredited university.
• Minimum 4-6 years of professional experience in landscape architecture or related field, with demonstrated responsibility for significant portions of the design process on projects of varying scale, scope, and complexity carried through schematic design or design development.
• Proficiency in industry-standard design and visualization software, including AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino, Lumion, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft 365, with the ability to guide teams in effective use of these tools.
• Proven experience guiding design teams and collaborating across disciplines, with excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills for clients and team members.
• Ability to develop design concepts that span from large-scale planning to site-specific detail.
• Demonstrated commitment to licensure, including CLARB registration and preparation for LARE exams.
• Active participation in AEC and landscape architecture organizations through committee involvement, presentations, or mentorship.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• Regularly required to talk or hear.
• Frequently required to use hands or fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include reading, writing, and typing.
• Primarily works indoors with some outdoor environment exposure, encountering varying temperatures.
• Noise levels can be high on project sites but are low in the office environment.

About KW Landscape Architects

KW Landscape Architects (KW) is a professional landscape architecture firm with offices in Austin, Houston, Indianapolis, and San Antonio. Founded in 1991 as a two-person operation, KW has grown into a thriving team of over 50 professionals. In recent years, Partners Darin and Wesley have focused on preparing the next generation of leadership by establishing a multidisciplinary leadership team. This team brings together experts in landscape design, project management, construction administration, technology, marketing, and business development. Our mission is to design exceptional outdoor spaces that inspire people to step outside and engage with the world around them. We believe great outdoor environments create welcoming spaces that build community, nurture belonging, and enrich shared experiences.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with background and experience.
• 1/2-day Fridays, flexible office hours, and an endless supply of coffee and office snacks.
• Paid time off (PTO) and a yearly holiday office closure.
• 401K plan with matching contributions.
• Health insurance (medical, dental, and vision).
• Monthly wellness stipend.
• Support for professional growth and involvement in AEC and/or HR-specific organizations.